Boys Over Flowers: Hana Yori Dango, Vol. 17

花より男子 [Hana Yori Dango] #17

by Yōko Kamio, 神尾葉子

Tsukushi and Tsukasa get some quiet time together after they escape the mess of his birthday party, but this quiet can't last for long. Tsukasa's feelings for Tsukushi have at long last been made clear, but Tsukushi is more confused than ever about her feelings for him. Meanwhile, Tsukasa's domineering mother, Kaede, is brewing up plans to keep them apart forever, and she might have found just the thing to do it when she introduces him to his new fiancée!

Genres: Manga, Romance, Graphic Novels, Shojo, Young Adult, Comics, Fiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published July 25, 1997

About the author

Yōko Kamio (神尾葉子) is a popular Japanese manga artist and writer. She is most famous for Boys Over Flowers (花より男子, Hana Yori Dango?), for which she received the Shogakukan Manga Award in 1996. Her work has been translated and distributed in Asia, Europe, and North America.

Yōko Kamio readily admits that she had no intention of becoming a professional manga artist when she was young. Kamio originally went to secretarial school, but her love of drawing soon led her astray. She then eventually entered the professional mangaka field in 1989. In the following years, Kamio published Suki Suki Daisuki, Ano Hi ni Aitai, and Meri-san no Hijitsu in Margaret before she finally created Hana Yori Dango in 1992.

The Hana Yori Dango manga became established relatively quickly in Japan. Many people commended Kamio for her realistic portrayal of high school life and everyday violence through the Hana Yori Dango series. Although Kamio was initially surprised by the confessions of high school violence stated in fan letters, she realized that Tsukushi's fiery character served as a role model for much of Japan's youth and helped others cope with school violence.

Kamio watched as the success of Hana Yori Dango's 1992 début followed through with many more months on the best-sellers list. Voice CDs by SMAP and a live action movie about Hanadan charted the series success in the mid-1990s. By 1995, an animated series for Hana Yori Dango was already in progress and Kamio had also helped pick main leads for the anime show.

Hana Yori Dango ran in the Japanese Margaret magazine as well as the Korean Wink. The series has also been published in Japanese, Chinese, Cantonese, Thai, Korean, French, and English. The anime series has been broadcasted in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Italy, and has also been licensed and released in the United States. Additionally, it was also recreated in a Game Boy Color game (only released in Japan) during the summer of 2001. With its ever-increasing popularity, Hana Yori Dango was then made into a popular live action TV series in Taiwan titled Meteor Garden. The manga series finally ended in Margaret's August 2003 issue, and the 36th tankōbon which included the Akira special "Night of the Crescent Moon" was released in January 2004 as the manga's final volume.

While Yoko Kamio initially wanted Hanazawa Rui to be the main hero of Hana Yori Dango, due to the outstanding personality of Domyoji Tsukasa (and Domyoji also becoming more popular than Rui) she changed the hero role to Domyoji.

Despite Hana Yori Dango's success, Kamio had originally planned to end the series by Spring 2000. However, in February 2000, at a mangaka conference in Taipei, Taiwan Kamio announced that she would continue writing Hana Yori Dango. At one point, she got so wrapped up in the Hana Yori Dango storyline, that she confessed to having dreams about Doumyouji. Of course, she said that "Falling in love with a character that I created is just disgusting..."

Reviews

[Michelle Buvoir d'Encre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mmmm you know in the drama, there's this part where a fortuneteller tells Makino's character that she has a soulmate, but that she doesn't marry him. This is that part of the story where that is apparent. Rui was pretty stupid at the start, by obsessing over someone who wouldn't stay with him, and then using Makino to try to get over her. But he's past that now and I think they're just perfect for each other. But now Makino loves pineapple head (this is always his name in my mind) and so Rui just gets to be the perfect best friend.
This volume is the perfect example of how if the characters would just COMMUNICATE......there wouldn't be much of a plot. Monkey girl lies about her and pineapple-head and hurts Makino. Makino lies about having feelings for pineapple-head and hurts herself and him. And then there Rui who's just here for the hot water. love him.

[mandinmandin · Rating 1 out of 5]

When is this new girl going to go?

[Violet Sakura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I ever say, that I liked Tsukushi? OK, I did, and I'm taking back my words! In this volume she proved to be the dumbest, most insensitive, most stupid, coldest, the most idiotic, did I say the most insensitive, well wouldn't be wrong to repeat!!!! I'm just so mad at her stupidity!!!
In every volume she says "I'm through with F4 and Tsukasa and I'm starting a new life", and every time, she just ends up crying over Tsukasa's some move or look, and then runs to Hanazawa Rui, saying "Even if this is not love, I love Hanazawa Rui." What's that, girl??? Wake up! I'm sooo mad! Love is love! When is she goign to realize, that she's head over heals for Tsukasa!!!! ARRRRGGGHHH!!!!
She doesn't deserve Tsukasa, he shouldn't have forgiven her, for betraying him with Rui!

[daph pink ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Volume 17, Tsukushi finds herself caught between her emotions for Tsukasa and the pressures of the social gap between them. The story focuses on internal conflicts more than flashy drama, making it feel a bit slower but more introspective. Some plot elements feel like they’re there just to keep the couple apart, which can be frustrating. However, the volume delivers a handful of genuinely touching scenes that make the journey worthwhile. The artwork continues to convey mood shifts effectively, elevating even the quieter moments.

[Nidhi Bhatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shigeru - Damyouji's fiance is cute and innocent herself. I understand that you can't love someone else and all. But Tsukashi should have made herself clear.

I liked it better in Korean series! Much better...

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel so sorry for Makino and Domyoji in this volume. They obviously care deeply for each other, but are both trying to do the 'right thing'. In the end, it looks like everyone is going to be hurt.

I don't know what to feel about Domyoji hitting Makino again. I hate that part of his character. I have no idea why I still like a character with this giant flaw! I would never want to be around a person like this in real life, but I'm still reading (and loving) this manga series with him as a major character.

Monkey girl. Sigh. I want to hate her, but can't really. She's as selfish as the rest of them, but there's something genuine about her too. Does she know what's she doing to Makino? Yes, of course she does. Is she trying to manipulate that situation and keep Makino and Domyoji apart? Yes, of course she is. Does she really want to be Makino's friend? I think so. Another conflicted character. Nothing is black and white here!

On to the next volume.. :)

[Mafer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Una de las calificaciones más bajas que he dado hasta ahora porque, Tsukasa, what the fuck.
Creo que entiendo porque muchos prefieren que Tsukushi esté con Rui. Siento que en los doramas, en todas las versiones, no llegan a mostrar el nivel de violencia que maneja Tsukasa. Definitivamente bajaron un montón su toxicidad, ya que esa escena no aparece en ninguna versión que he visto hasta el momento, ni siquiera la china, la que me parece más fiel al manga.
Aquí me gustó mucho más la relación entre Rui y Tsukushi. Siento que pueden convertirse en una pareja bonita, pero ella ya está enamorado de Tsukasa y no hay nada más que hacer.
Shigeru se me hace un poco pesada pero no me cae mal tbh.

[Zahra · Rating 4 out of 5]

En este capitulo ha empezado a gustarme Rui, ahora veo su evolución como personaje y es un gran amigo para Tsukushi, no creo que ella fuera feliz casada con él, pero sí si acabaran como mejores amigos <3.
Y me cuesta tanto odiar a Domyoji, solo puede pensar en Makino y en lo mucho que la quiere, aunque trate de olvidarla no puede QuQ.

[V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woooo! Tsukushi is sure one lucky girl. Tsukasa really loved her even if he was with Shigeru. And oh my, she even have Rui as her soulmate - they may not end up together but they will surely be in each other lives until they die. I kinda pity Shigeru since she is a nice rich girl and that Tsukasa cannot like her back.

[h · Rating 1 out of 5]

The abuse in this is bad enough, but the fact that they have Tsukushi blame herself or excuse Tsukasa’s violence is too much for me. The female characters are treated so poorly and face so much abuse and sexual violence. I can look past the plot holes but I can’t stand how it tries to justify and normalize abuse repeatedly.

[Esther Carretero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me encanta que se empiece a ver ese punto de inflexión en Makino, preguntándose por sus verdaderos sentimientos. Ahora es cuando todo se pone más serio. Sin embargo, no me gusta que se muestre tan gratuitamente tanta violencia por parte de Domyoji.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually I’d drop a series that has an abusive male lead but despite BOF being so problematic this series is just so addictive. I’m not really sure why Tsukasa’s abusive tendencies were written into the story when it’s just so unnecessary :/ I actually really enjoyed this volume otherwise.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes please

I love these books, they really put me in the high school squeal mode. Oh the nostalgia. Perfect for guilty pleasure reading without the guilt.

[Nadina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another pretty good volume and I liked the various relationships and emotions explored in this volume.

[Iris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Voy a pasar por alto cierta acción de Tsuakasa (en esta calificación) porque en verdad me gustó el desarrollo de las cosas y el arte que ha desarrollado la autora con su dibujo.

[✨Sky✨ ♏ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 stars

[Yawenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

im trying to forgive this series for being problematic because it is a page turner, but honestly im getting so annoyed. i hate it but i love it.

[BooksWithNoonaPa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tsukushi is so annoying. Can’t root for her at all.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why is it the Big Bad Wolf is the only person who is honest about anything????

[leigheas ✞ ✰ ⚢ · Rating 2 out of 5]

je peux plus ignorer les red flags 🫡

[Miss Ryoko · Rating 3 out of 5]

UGH!! This volume reminded me of all the things I hate about this series... mostly the f*ckery that Tsukasa can get away with.

When I started this series I LOVED Tsukushi for being a strong female lead. I loved that she didn't take crap from nobody and she fought back against the F4. And there are many moments since the beginning she has kept up that attitude and I loved it...but unfortunately, when it comes to Tsukasa, she's wussin' out all the time now.

I was SO pissed off when Tsukasa slapped her and her thought bubbles said this: I hate guys who are abusive but... I think I've behaved just as badly toward him. UM NO!! Just because you aren't returning his feelings because you aren't really sure if you love him DOES NOT mean you are treating him just as badly!!! UUUUUUUGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!! And this is why women stay with abusive, jealous assholes like Tsukasa because they have this thought process. Never have I wanted to jump into a book so badly just to throttle someone into having senses. I was really disappointed Tsukushi had thought that. I have really loved her for not taking Tsukasa's crap, but not only did she take it this time, she blamed herself for it. So utterly frustrating.

It baffles me that Tsukasa is the fan favorite. Proof that being a cocky asshole is attractive to so many people. I guess the good thing about it is the manga-ka herself recognizes that her own character is a giant asswad. But what I fear most is that in the end, Tsukushi will of course magically cure Tsukasa of his douche-baggery and the impressionable girls that read and are reading this will then think "see, bad boys can be tamed" and they'll be dating assholes like Tsukasa and getting beat and thinking "It's okay, I know my love will change him." -_- I'd like to have enough faith in the human race to think that people aren't that stupid, but I know they are. And as someone who would never tolerate that kind of behavior, I have a really really hard time understanding how anyone can think like that. If a man ever abused me, you better believe I'd beat the living daylights out of him and threaten the safety of his manhood so severely he'd run into hiding for months. And I would never forgive him or give him a second chance to "change" because it ain't happening.

*takes deep breath* Let's get back to the book, shall we? *cough* Besides the annoyance of Tsukushi blaming herself for Tsukasa being an abusive little bitch, there were many moments I laughed out loud and enjoyed in this volume... and Rui is growing on me more and more and becoming less annoying. I'm almost Team Rui but I will forever and always be Team Kazuya (who I love more than anything!)

Also, the new girl is super annoying. I can't wait til she's gone (Just Saiyan)

Despite my general anger at this volume, I'm still enjoying this series (it's like watching a soap opera!!)

[Florence Mullot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Encore une fois, je n'ose pas trop me réjouir. Il y a du mieux dans l'ensemble de la narration avec notamment un travail sur les relations entre les personnages et leurs psychologies. La "romance" entre Tsukushi et Domyoji reste au centre de l'histoire (il était temps), mais en restant extrêmement chaotique. Cela ressemble très bien aux deux héros mais j'ai trouvé les deux procédés utilisés pour contrer leur relation, plutôt fades et surtout l'une d'elle est du réchauffée.

Comme nous l'avions découvert dans le tome seize, la mère de Domyoji, pour contrer les sentiments de son fils envers Tsukushi, organise une rencontre avec une jeune femme riche. On découvre d'ailleurs que les deux ont déjà été fiancés par leurs parents. On passe le côté violent et archaïque de cette méthode. Si l'on y regarde de plus près, les jeunes riches que l'on voit dans le manga n'ont quasiment aucun choix : étude, mariage, emploi, ligne de conduite... tout est déjà programmé. Pour une fois, j'ai trouvé que les choses étaient amenées de façon à ce que l'on arrive enfin à avoir un peu d'empathie face à cette situation. Oui, tout peut arriver.

Si au début Domyoji montre clairement qu'il est contre cette farce, il finit ensuite par entrer dans le jeu de sa mère. La raison : Tsukushi. Et là, j'avoue que notre héroïne commence vraiment à m'agacer. C'est une girouette (on le voit d'ailleurs avec son nouveau crush sur Rui... le sixième depuis le début...). Elle se dénigre, elle fait tout pour mettre en colère Domyoji et se prend une baffe dans la foulée. Pour le coup, celle-là n'était pas volée. Non seulement, elle se montre insultante, mais en plus elle piétine les sentiments du garçon. Je n'approuve pas la violence, bien entendu, mais elle se montre tellement bornée et obtuse que ça en devient lassant. Tous les signes sont là. Elle est amoureuse de lui, mais elle se voile totalement la face. On a donc un énième retour dans les jupes de Rui mais en plus, elle décide d'aider la fiancée à charmer Domyoji. le tout tourne bien entendu au grand n'importe quoi et aux quiproquos à gogo... C'est une fois de plus lassant, car c'est redondant.

Mais, au moins, il y a un gros travail sur Domyoji. Il réagit face à la violence de sa gifle, ainsi qu'au rejet de Tsukushi. Il semble enfin prendre conscience de ses erreurs et que son comportement doit changer. La fin du tome reste aussi dans cet optique. Il est en quelque sort abattu et résigné et cela le rend plus lucide également. Bien que je ne sois pas fan de cet état d'esprit, j'espère par contre qu'il continuera sur cette voie. Autre point aussi sympathique : Akira et, Soujiro. Les deux garçons se montrent sous leurs meilleurs jours en étant des amis attentifs et sincères envers le couple de héros. Les petites scènes en groupe étaient vraiment mignonnes et cela faisait du bien.

[#ReadAllTheBooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

While it should be mentioned that I like this series, it should also be mentioned that this series is incredibly long and prone to filler material. There's only so many times that some rival can come and try to steal one of the main characters (usually Tsukushi) from the other, not to mention that the pairing of Tsukushi and Tsukasa takes about 20+ volumes to even really start! There is an occasional reluctant date, but no actual pairing until the later volumes, which was cute at first, but tended to grate on my nerves later on. However, there is enough in this series to enchant most readers even as it draws the plotline thin at times.

This particular volume continues the triangle of Tsukushi, Tsukasa, and Shigeru (a rich rival for Tsukasa's affections). While the triangle is interesting, it's just so frustrating to see that Tsukushi still isn't honest with herself about Tsukasa and it's also frustrating to see YET ANOTHER person trying to horn in on their blossoming romance. It would have been a lot punchier... if the premise hadn't happened 4-8 times already in the series. Still, the series is a lot like potato chips in that even when it's not filling it is still enjoyable, similar to how one would enjoy a trashy soap opera.

Would I recommend this to a friend? Maybe. Unless they are a die-hard fan or are (like me) getting the volumes since they've already invested so much, I'd hesitate to truly recommend this series since it's so long & expensive to collect. If you are unsure I'd really recommend reading a friend's collection until you are sure whether or not you want it.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was something in the way all of the characters came together that I found irresistibly compelling about this series. It did remind me a lot of Ouran while I was reading it and maybe that is why I liked it so much. Tsukushi is an interesting protagonist, I loved when she started taking action and sticking up for herself.

While I wasn’t overly fond of the artwork style I was able to get past it because I my love for the storyline. This is an honest story with twists and turns, ups and downs, but then again that is real life.

I would really recommend watching the anime too!

[Lia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The manga had hints of intriguing drama, but didn't explore them very far. Maybe if you read the whole series they're explored. I started with this, the 17th volume, because that's all that was available at the library.

I would have loved this in Jr. High. Not really my sort of thing anymore.

I will probably try other volumes before I give up, though. Doesn't take long to read one.

I AM interested in watching the live-action Dorama, though. ^-^ Maybe even the anime.

[Emi えみ Takami 鷹見 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, Rui Hanazawa... please be mine? Rui... Rui... Rui? Did you hear me? HEY. QUIT SPACING OUT LIKE THAT! Rui... RUI I SAID BE MINE, DAYUMN IT! LISTEN TO ME!

Yup... this sounds like a fanfiction in the making. Not that this has anything to do with Volume 17. Just the overload of Rui <3

[Kricket · Rating 3 out of 5]

the usual madness: tsukushi continues to have no control over her own life and tsukasa continues to terrify everyone. good times!

[Danyka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd watched and liked the anime version when I was still a kid.

For now, I got no plans for buying a copy.

[Gen · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can you "really love" someone you don't know?